The effects of parental alcoholism on child development

Alcohol has many functions for different people, for some it is an agent of socialization, while for others it is the cause of destruction in their lives. Many familes are affected by alcohol abuse and many children are exposed to its devastating effects. Children of alcoholics make up a large number of the population, and are at risk for several developmental problems throughout their lives. Several studies have been conducted on the negative effects an alcoholic parent has on their children. Many of these studies share the harmful side effects which plague children of alcoholics, including anxiety, depression, and the increased risk of alcohol abuse as an adult. Several of literature reviews are presented, sharing the issues associated with parental alcoholism, the effects on the children, and steps which have been taken to understand and treat problems associated with alcoholism in the family